We Must with Much Tribulation

 June 30, 2025- Weekly Devotional Bible Study from Acts 14 KJV

For Mithcah Bible Baptist Church- Bahrain 

Morning Online Devotional Bible Study and Prayer Fellowship June 1, 2025

 

“21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

Lesson: We Must with Much Tribulation

 

Acts 14KJV
1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
7 And there they preached the gospel.
8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked."

As Paul and Barnabas continued their sailing to preach and teach people in every place the LORD led them, many Jews and Gentiles got saved. They do not care much if there were some who disagree, yet those who followed their doctrine protected them from them, who turned their back and withstood their teaching.
They were not discouraged, they continued their ministry and the HOLY GHOST gave them power to heal, even the cripple from the womb, who never experienced to walk, cause by his impotence.
 Then this man leaping and walking, and surely in his voice came out praises; that he too worship the LORD for his healing.
 We might not do miraculous deeds that may cause others to heal their sicknesses, nor our prayers could not heal the sick: but in sharing the hope of salvation to them who are helpless and lost, which is the best cure and surest healing for the dying souls; is the most concern of our existence: sharing the ultimate blessing for others; so all must know who really is JESUS: Our Master , Savior and Coming King!

Acts 14:11-20 KJV
“11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness 8of men.
12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.”

Like here in Lystra, where people were raised worshipping idols and Greek gods, Paul and Barbabas left footprints which were recorded in the bible for our admonition. That they even rent their garments and ran in the midst of them; trying to stop them from worshipping and offering to them as the incarnation in the flesh of their gods whom they worship: of Barnabas as Jupiter, and Paul as Mercurius. Then with humility of their mind, with great fear in the True GOD, of whom they have witnessed having a personal encounter with His Only Begotten Son JESUS CHRIST; The Living Manifestation of GOD in the flesh and in the Spirit, they taught the people that worship should only be for Him, and not to the man- made images nor in the mythologies, their mind and belief have been manipulated.

Even the apostles and disciples of CHRIST whom are the saints gone ahead of us,  to be with the LORD, they are pointing us to worship only our Loving LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST, and not to anything or anyone else; not even to them who have been called to become a channel why we now have GOD’s written words: the bible.
Let our worship , prayers and adoration only be to GOD in the Name of our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST; let His Name be  lifted up only in our lives every day and until our lives be taken to be with Him forever and ever! Amen.

Acts 14:21-28 KJV -
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Paul and Barnabas with all heart, soul and minddid the work of preaching and teaching the word of The LORD throughout the region where they have to go. Sailing, transporting, walking they did without complaining. They dedicated their lives to preach the gospel of salvation to all who should hear the word of salvation.

Their work in the ministry has not been undoubting. We may ask within ourselves: didn’tthey get tired? How about their sustenance, where did they get? Did they know somebody within these places who might have hosted them in their period of evangelization? Where did they sleep or take a shower, or even comforted themselves if the nature called them to be at rest?
All these essential things might not have been their concern within the period of their journey; for they knew already that it should not be their concern; for they knew that, if The LORD called them to go, everything will be taken care of by The LORD for them. All they need is to obey without hesitation, without thoughts of doubts; because:

• The GOD they serve is the GOD of all provision, 

• The GOD they serve is the GOD of accurateprotection

• The GOD they serve is the GOD withamazing, astounding power.

• The GOD whom they serve is the All-Knowing, Pardon Giver GOD; The GOD whom we serve too; The One of whom His purifying grace makes our world worthy of living still.

 

Let the life of Apostle Paul and Barnabas be our example of obedience as they too set within them the examples of the prophets of old, the like of Moses, of David, of Samuel, of Gideon of Elijah of Daniel and of the many men and women of faith who trusted the GOD whom they have not seen yet they believe; and the many disciples who have walk with the LORD, who have eaten with Him, witnessed his sufferings, the how he resurrected, as how He said it, and have seen Him ascended.

A powerful message for us whom GOD called in the ministry: when He call us to serve Him, He remove everything that hinders us to obey. Then He equipped us not with material things that would become a burden along the way, but with faith, and in full submission, strength and confidence, that no matter what happen He will be with us, go before us, shield and carry us through every heat and coldness of the day. That we must, with much tribulation should obey Him, in teaching and preaching His words; whether we think we are worthy or not in people’s eyes, whether they believe us or contend us, whether they accept us or reject us, we have to grow, go and glow in His words. Many trials and tribulation we will encounter and have to face still, but let them be as they are, for they are just given for us to witness how the LORD will deliver us in His Might with miracles and wonders; so that our faith will be more becoming solid and stronger.
Let us take heed to His calling; be ready to answer the call. Not minding the whys and what we might be, For He know who are we in his sight.  And as we go, carry within us His promise that every steps of our way, He is with us; helping us, as we are doing the best we can in moving forward; trusting Him that as we prepare ourselves in facing every challenges with courage; He is working in us unto the perfecting of our wholehearted faith to our Master JESUS CHRIST who never fails.
Have a blessed morning !

Acts 14

King James Version

14 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,

6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:

7 And there they preached the gospel.

8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:

9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.

13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

 

Read More

The Word of The LORD Was Published

 June 24, 2025- Bible Study and Meditation from the Book of Acts 13 KJV

For Mithcah Bible Baptist Church- Bahrain 

Online Morning Devotional Bible Study and Group Prayer Fellowship- June 25, 2025

 

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

 

Lesson: The Word of The LORD Was Published

 

Acts 13:1-12 KJV
[1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
[2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
[3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
[4] So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
[5] And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
[6] And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:
[7] Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
[8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
[9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
[10] And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
[11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
[12] Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

The start of Saul/ Paul and Barnabas ministerial journey, gave us path that we must follow, strengthen our faith and decision to do what we are commanded to do no matter what; for the likes of what happened to them, also happened, or still be happening to us, in might be some other ways GOD dealt, for us to be saved and be sanctified.
1. Recorded name to have been brought up with Herod the Tetrarch who have decided to follow JESUS:

• The Converts were named and from conversion of Saul, the first miracle through the words of now Paul(Saul) were performed by the hand of The LORD.

 

➢ Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen and Saul: they were all called prophets and teachers. 

➢ Saul’s was first recorded here to be called as Paul v9

➢ They fasted and pray when the HOLY GHOST told them to separate Barnabas and Saul: of whom they called Paul.

➢ Sergius Paulus the Deputy of the County of Paphos, Cyprus; The first high ranking official to be converted to faith led with astonishment because of the miracle wrought by GOD through Paul. 

➢ The first miraculous deed Paul has done: he rebuked the sorcerer Bar-jesus called Elymas; who tried to persuade the Deputy SergiusPaulus to turn away from the faith, that upon Paul’s rebuke in the Name of The LORD, he became blind and needed someone to lead him by the hand.

 

Thoughts from these passages:

Everybody is entitled to choose; whether to be converted to faith in JESUS or hold on to the belief they have been born. But all who are converted to faith, our name is recorded in Heaven, and from there the works of The LORD started to work in our lives ifwe committed ourselves to serve. Heretofore, all must beware and don’t messed up with The LORD; for the converted who do not wholehearted follow the LORD and them who contended the teachers,whom He called to  preach about the salvation to the lost, will only lead to mishap and heap a great amount of troubles.
So be warn, be willing and to the none-believing,be won.

Acts 13:13-16 KJV -
“13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.”

 

2. The reluctance of John Mark to discontinue their missionary journey with Paul and Barnabas. He might have been shocked with how the sorcerer Elymas withstood Paul; for as for him as a Jew, they don’t have anything to do with the Gentile people. But his action did not respited Paul and Barnabas. 

• The Commitment to continue to preach GOD’s words is sometimes overwhelming that John Mark back off; but Barnabas and Paul Continued.

 

The missionary journey of Paul might have not been easy: for John Mark departed from them and returned to Jerusalem. 
But that did not hinder them to continue what they were commissioned to do. That the first call to speak, Paul did not hesitate to stand up.
This should also be to us all who have been taught the gospel of salvation. It should not be settled unshared in our hearts. Nor we get intimidated by fear. For the word of GOD should be spilled intentionally to be sown like seeds so that it will grow to bear fruits also in the hearts of others.
The hearers are there, what we need is to stand up and speak. Whether they will listen or shut off their ears, let our voices sounding off the gospel to be heard!


Acts 13: 42 KJV
[42] And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.”

 

3. The Response from the hearers should not be the concern; what matters most is that the gospel is preached.

• The Courage in proclaiming the gospel of GOD in the Name of JESUS should be preached with clarity and confidently. 

 

For the many miracles GOD wrought in the lives of His chosen nation, which the notably inspired are written in the book ( the bible) for our admonition; just like how Paul declared the way of salvation to his people, by telling the story of the continuity of GOD’s dealings and deliverance to His beloved children; from how Moses was called to lead, how judges were raised that his people be free from enslavement; and the time His Only Beloved, Begotten Son JESUS was born, who called Himself as the Son of man yet openly, directly or indirectly claimed He is the Son of God His Father and taught the people about God’s love for them in parable and in plain speaking, have shown them many miracles and signs of wonders; but despite of all GOD’s working through him of all the works of miracles and wonders, they rejected, crucified, buried, however, after three days, He rose from the dead. The way how Paul’s voice within his people was heard, and the Gentiles beg from him that with them, the gospel should also be preach, it still sometimes amazes us the extremities of how the enemies are persecuting believers that many were killed as they worship. But we must have seen these; despite all those persecution from the enemies, that they are still determine to destroy, eradicate, annihilate and totally erase the existence of the people from whom the Son of GOD was born and raised, these called out servants of the LORD continued.
Sometimes this  makes us doubt and fearful about what is going on in our days; for it is written for our understanding, that after the gospel of salvation be preach throughout the whole earth, the work of Satan will rise more ferocious that the faith of some will be shaken; nevertheless many of them have seen miracles and in the LORD’s marvelous ways, they, who stand against Him turned to accept Him as their Savior, believed in His words, and cleaved to Him in faith and His freely given salvation.
Let not the troubles and chaos of this world distract us from doing His works. But let us focus on the main thing which is commanded for us to do by the LORD.
Preach and teach the gospel to every living soul.
And let the Name of JESUS CHRIST and His saving grace be known to all!

 

4. The Rejection which is the cause of pride and envy are usually the reason why some do not believe. 

• The Conviction to continue the preaching of the gospel by Apostle Paul and Barnabas led many Gentiles to accept the LORD.

 

Acts 13:43-52 KJV - 43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
 51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

 

5. The Redirection of The LORD to Paul to go to the Gentiles, shows us that every close door is a redirection of the LORD to go to other places which is ready for the harvest.

• The casting away of us by others and their heart-hardness oftentimes is the opportunity to see GOD’s goodness which gives us joy as we experience the wondrous works of salvation to the multitude of living souls; if we will wholeheartedly obey The LORD. 

• The closing doors sometimes are GOD’s leading for us, and redirection for us into a far greater harvest; a more greater Pasteur. 

Many Jews believed JESUS, but envy stop them to continue thereof. And so, Paul and Barnabas grew bold and declared that they are not worthy for the everlasting life, which was freely given to them by The LORD.
That they shook the dust of their feet from them, and turned to continue preaching to the Gentiles the word of salvation, which was rejected by the devout and honorable women by pushing them to expelled them out from their coasts.
But the Gentiles gladly received them,  as they glorified  the LORD’s word.
And the word of the LORD were published throughout the region; that of them who gladly received were filled with the HOLY GHOST.

At this current situation we are facing, where fear overwhelmed many hearts by the conflicts in this region, people are scared and confused; many overwhelmed by fear and lost in hopelessness. They need us to lead them to the truth; what they need now is comforting and assuring words. They may reject us or push us away. But we should not be disheartened; for what and who are we are telling them is the very source of truth, testimonies of comfort and trajectory of life, which lead us to our destiny: the eternity in Heaven with our Loving GOD and Savior JESUS CHRIST.

May each of us believers be confident in sharing the truth about JESUS, let the word of the LORD be published to all whom we can reach out, that out of love He gave His own life to save our souls, and that all things are still under the control of the Mighty Hand of our Loving LORD.
Let His Almighty Name be glorified forever more!

 

Acts 13:1-12 KJV
[1] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
[2] As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
[3] And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
[4] So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
[5] And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
[6] And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:
[7] Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
[8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
[9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
[10] And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
[11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
[12] Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.

19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fearethGod, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

30 But God raised him from the dead:

31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath

43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

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